Micro volume changes due to Pb(II) and Cu(II) sorption on amorphous Fe(III) hydroxide (AFH) were determined by a dilatometer at pH 4.50. Volume change is attributed to change in hydration status of dissolved and/or suspended substances. The volume of the system increased due to Pb(II) and Cu(II) sorption, suggesting that water molecules hydrated around Pb(II) or Cu(II) ions and AFH were released during sorption. Volume increases due to Pb(II) and Cu(II) sorption were smaller than those due to bulk precipitation of Pb and Cu hydroxides. Precipitation of Pb(II) and Cu(II) was not likely to occur at pH 4.50 in the presence of AFH. In conclusion, Pb(II) and Cu(II) formed an inner-sphere complex on AFH at pH 4.50, keeping hydrated water on the adsorbed species. Adsorbed Cu(II) kept more hydrated water than adsorbed Pb(II) on AFH.